Chitosan (Poly-(D) glucosamine) based solid lipid nanoparticles of dexibuprofen for topical delivery: Formulation development and characterizations

Abstract

Chitosan a poly-(D) glucosamine is a polysaccharide made by treating shrimp and other crustacean shells with the alkali sodium hydroxide. It is a hydrophilic polymer that helps to retain the drug inside the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN’s) and prolongs the release of drug from the carrier system. The purpose of the study was to formulate Chitosan decorated SLN’s for the topical delivery of dexibuprofen by hot pressure homogenization technique. Blank SLN’s, drug loaded SLN’s and Chitosan decorated SLN’s were prepared. Particle size, zeta potential and PDI were determined. FTIR study was conducted to evaluate the compatibility of excipients with the active drug. Surface morphology of SLN’s was determined by field emission scanning electron microscope. Drug content and entrapment efficiency of SLN’s were determined using indirect method. In vitro release and ex vivo permeation study of SLN’s were carried out using Franz diffusion cell. The droplet size fell into the nano range i.e. 132±7 to 424±2 nm which is effective for topical drug delivery system. The PDI of formulations range from 0.21 to 0.42 which depicts the homogeneity of all the SLN’s formulations. Vibrational analysis indicates that there is no interaction between active drug and excipient used in the formulation. The surface morphology revealed the spherical shape of Chitosan decorated SLN’s. The in vitro release of formulations showed 79.91±1.07 to 89.94±1.8 % drug release. The drug permeation study showed high permeation of drug into the skin. The percent drug permeation ranges from 64.15±0.93 to 71.80±0.88% indicating good permeation of drug across the skin. Overall, SLN’s are an effective carrier for topical delivery of dexibuprofen and thus bypasses side effects associated with oral delivery.